Draft by Smith & Victory for Stephen Layton
Stephen LaytonMBE
Stephen Layton in rehearsal

“…one of the world’s finest interpreters of choral music…”Classic FM Magazine

ConductorPolyphony · Holst Singers

StephenLaytonMBE

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Biography

Portrait of Stephen Layton
Photograph: Keith Saunders

Awarded with an MBE for services to classical music in October 2020, Stephen Layton is one of the most sought-after conductors of his generation, whose ground-breaking approach has had a profound influence on choral music over the last 30 years.

Often described as the finest exponent of choral music in the world today, Layton is regularly invited to work with the world’s leading choirs, orchestras and composers. His interpretations have been heard from Sydney Opera House to the Concertgebouw, from Tallinn to São Paulo, and his recordings have won or been nominated for every major international recording award.

  • MBEfor services to classical music, October 2020
  • 2Gramophone Awards and a further ten nominations
  • 5Grammy nominations
  • 4,000+musical tracks webcast live, in a searchable archive

Read the full biography

From the news

Archive 2016 to 2023

Stephen Layton announces departure from Trinity College Cambridge to pursue his guest-conducting career

Stephen Layton MBE announced that he is to leave Trinity College Cambridge after 17 years as Fellow and Director of Music to devote more time to his international guest-conducting career. His last concerts with the choir were on a tour to Germany, performing the Duruflé Requiem in six concerts, including at Frankfurt Cathedral.

“It has been a joy and an exceptional privilege to work with The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge for so many years. I am extremely proud of what we have achieved together.”
Stephen Layton

Stephen Layton and Polyphony at Concertgebouw Amsterdam

Part of NTR’s ZaterdagMatinee series, broadcast live on NPO Radio.

Stephen Layton conducts at Sydney Opera House

Bach’s Magnificat in D, Ešenvalds’ Passion and Resurrection and Arvo Pärt’s Trisagion.

Duruflé Requiem, filmed at Saint-Eustache, Paris

The Choir of Trinity College Cambridge. A film by Andrew Staples and Classical Films.

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Recordings

Search all 80 recordings

AntogniniCome to me in the silence of the night & Other Choral Works, 2023

MäntyjärviChoral Music, 2020

JenkinsMiserere: Songs of Mercy and Redemption, 2019

FinziChoral Works, 2019

ParkChoral Works, 2018

BachMass in B minor, 2018

PittsMissa Unitatis, 2017

StanfordChoral Music, 2017

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Press

Read 219 press notices
“…the effect is nothing short of electrifying…”
Gramophone Magazine, 2007
“Layton’s performances inspire the soul as they break the heart with their intense beauty.”
American Record Guide, 2008
“Stephen Layton’s choir is, without doubt, the finest in the country.”
Sir John Tavener
“…behind them all, rock-solid, alert to every nuance in the drama, stood Polyphony, diction crisp, phrasing meticulous. Simply superb.”
The Guardian, St John Passion, 2023
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Diary

Browse the diary archive

Most recent entries

  1. Poulenc, Villette and Britten with Accentus in Rouen
    Co-production with Opera de Rouen Normandie
    Francis Poulenc Quatre petites prières de Saint François d’Assise Pierre Villette Motets Benjamin Britten A Hymn to the Virgin Chorale after an old French carol Sacred and profane In this a cappella concert, Accentus explore the richness of 20th century vocal music under the direction of Stephen …
  2. Poulenc, Villette and Britten with Accentus in Paris
    Co-production with Opera de Rouen Normandie
    Francis Poulenc Quatre petites prières de Saint François d’Assise Pierre Villette Motets Benjamin Britten A Hymn to the Virgin Chorale after an old French carol Sacred and profane In this a cappella concert, Accentus explore the richness of 20th century vocal music under the direction of Stephen …
  3. Britten and Villette with Accentus in Cathedrale des Invalides, Paris
    Chants Libres
    During the festival "Chants Libres", Accentus are directed by Stephen Layton in 20th century sacred music by Britten and Villette. The performance ends with a collaboration between Accentus and the choeur de …
  4. Faure's Requiem at Saffron Hall
    Faure Requiem Arvo Part Trisagion Poulenc Motets Peteris Vasks Musica Dolorosa
  5. Faure's Requiem at Concertgebouw Amsterdam
    with Britten Sinfonia, conducted by Stephen Layton
    Fauré Requiem Poulenc Quatre motets pour un temps de pénitence, FP 97 Arvo Pärt Trisagion Peteris Vasks Musica Dolorosa
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Media

Watch all 37 films
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Management

Sarah Trelawny Ford

Director and Artist Manager, Cambridge Creative Management

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sarah@cambridgecreativemanagement.co.uk
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